Joining a Band - Any Advice?

Marky

Marky

Marky

Soldato
Joined
16 Apr 2007
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UK
Hey Guys,

I've been playing the drums now for over a year and recently had a few people saying that I should try and join a band but I have no idea how to go about it, what I'd need or even if I'm ready etc.

I currently have just an electronic drum kit, never even used an acoustic kit and never taken any lessons.

I'd just like some advice from anyone who is in a band...

Am I gettin involved too fast? Should I get a drum tutor and have some lessons?
I want to definitely play an acoustic kit but there is no way my parents would be able to handle the noise :p What has been the situation in your band?
How did you meet anyone that needs you for a band? :p

Cheers,
Marky
 
I think it depends if you can find some people of similar ability who you like to play with, or people who aren't expecting you to have heaps of experience. Can't say I've ever actively seeked anyone out, rather gone through friends of friends etc. Try it and see where it goes would be my advice. I'm not in a band any more but I do miss it.
 
Cant give much advise myself, (so why am I even posting? :-\) but make sure you get along with everyone. I was in a v.rubbish band in college and my m8 and the singer argued the t**s.

Try going to an open mic night and meeting ppl tho,been to a couple recently and lots of musicians who are friends of the bands but not in one themselves.

Worth a shot maybe?
 
You are lucky that drummers seem to be as rare as hen's teeth at the moment so finding a band shouldn't be a problem.
You need to find like minded players so put or read the adverts in your local music shops.
Being a drummer you are statistically more likely to be prepared to play any style of music for experience, other muso's tend to want to stay in their comfort zone but drummers will usually play along to anything.
When you find people to play with sit down and decide what you want to do and be honest because this is so important.
Both my bands sit down every 6 months and we do a 'Scores On the Doors' where we all judge the songs we are playing.
A score of 3 and above keeps the song in the potential playlist but 2, 1 and 0 kicks the song out of the set.
So if one person votes 2 on a song that the other 4 vote 10 on, it still gets thrown out with no arguments - we just agree on other songs.
Nobody has ever played in a band with me that doesn't like what they're doing.
I've been playing every week for 40 years in bands so just ask away.
 
Get a metronome, book some lessons and get some experience with an acoustic kit if you can.

If you can find someone that plays guitar/keyboard then at least there's a start but there is nothing that will improve your playing than playing along with more experienced musicians, although if vastly better and not patient it can be a disaster.
 
I need advice on this matter, I have joined joinmyband.co.uk but nothing ever seems to be any good. I don't know anybody in Manchester who plays a musical instrument who I could team up with. I play guitar and would be willing to play lead/rhythm.

OcUK, help me please! (or even the offchance you are looking for a band in Manchester, let me know!).

Anyone got any advice on where to look, or how to get involved? Have never been in a band.
 
physichull said:
I need advice on this matter, I have joined joinmyband.co.uk but nothing ever seems to be any good. I don't know anybody in Manchester who plays a musical instrument who I could team up with. I play guitar and would be willing to play lead/rhythm.

OcUK, help me please! (or even the offchance you are looking for a band in Manchester, let me know!).

Anyone got any advice on where to look, or how to get involved? Have never been in a band.
Click to expand...

Most music shops have a board with ads on so go and visit a few.
 
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